FRIENDS Summer Camp Opportunities

FRIENDS’ summer camps provide hands on outdoor experiences and are truly making a difference in the lives of young Bahamians! PHOTO CREDIT: Friends of the Environment.
FRIENDS’ summer camps provide hands on outdoor experiences and are truly making a difference in the lives of young Bahamians! PHOTO CREDIT: Friends of the Environment.

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]riends of the Environment is pleased to offer an exciting array of opportunities for Bahamian students this summer. These camps and field courses are designed to address topics relevant to Abaco, such as sustainability, habitat conservation, pollution and marine fisheries, while building a community of young environmental ambassadors. Camps and courses are open to a range of age groups from 3 and up.

Ages 3-5
Sea Beans Camp: July 18-22 (FULL, waiting list only)

New this year, FRIENDS aims to encourage exploration of our natural surroundings at a young age to facilitate a genuine appreciation for nature. Curriculum will focus on ecosystems and animals found in Abaco incorporating arts and crafts, reading, outdoor play and field trips. 9 a.m. – 12 noon.

Ages 6-9
Abaco Ecosystems Junior Camp 1: June 27 – July 1, Marsh Harbour (returning campers only)
This is a new curriculum with different field trips and activities to help maintain the interest of students ages 6-9 who have already attended our first ecosystems camp. Campers will learn about the importance of Abaco’s ecosystems and the animals that live there. Each day students will learn about them in the classroom, then go on a field trip to see ecosystems such as fresh water wetlands, dry caves, and mangrove creeks.

Abaco Ecosystems Junior Camp 2: July 12-15, Marsh Harbour (first time campers only)
This camp includes exciting field trips to the Sawmill Sink blue hole, Mermaid Reef, and Broad Creek (near Camp Abaco). Campers will learn about the importance of Abaco’s ecosystems and the animals that live there. Each day students will learn about them in the classroom, then go on a field trip to see the ecosystems in person!

Ages 10-12
Sustainable Fishing Camp (Ages 9-12): July 5-6, Crossing Rocks, July 7-8 Dundas/Murphy Town
This camp, sponsored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is designed to introduce students to sustainable fishing. Campers will learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, safely remove a fish, and have a chance to go fishing with their very own fishing rod. Campers will also learn about fishing regulations in The Bahamas, and important marine species. This camp will not be held in Marsh Harbour this year as FRIENDS aims to reach under-served communities whose livelihood relies heavily on the fishing industry.

Ages 13-15
Nature Detectives: July 25-29
Campers take the reins as they learn to be junior scientists. Each day we will investigate a new habitat or animal and campers will design their own research projects on the chosen theme. FRIENDS will be partnering with The Bahamas Plastic Movement this year to put a focus on plastic pollution and the effect it is having on our oceans.

Ages 5-18
Grand Cay Camp: August 2-5
This camp is for students in Grand Cay only. Campers will learn about the importance of Abaco’s ecosystems and the animals that live there. Each day students will learn about them in the classroom, then go on a field trip to see the ecosystems in person!

18+
Sea Turtles Field Courses: July 6th and 7th

Learn about sea turtle biology, behavior and habitats in the morning and then conduct field surveys in the afternoon. All participants must be competent swimmers.

Please contact our office for more information (367-2721) or visit our website to download a registration form. http://www.friendsoftheenvironment.org/education/summer-camp/

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